Institute for Reproductive Health | Cincinnati Fertility - سينسيناتي، الولايات المتحدة

First, I want to acknowledge something many people undergoing fertility treatment know all too well: the process is exhausting, expensive, emotionally devastating, and sometimes utterly hopeless. That is precisely why I need to say that the Institute for Reproductive Health (IRH), especially Dr. Michael Awadalla, made us feel fully supported at every step during one of the hardest periods of our lives. I now have two wonderful children, all thanks to them. During treatment, I saw nearly every physician at IRH, and each one was kind and knowledgeable. But Dr. Michael Awadalla was our primary physician, and I cannot express how grateful I am to him. After our first egg retrieval yielded no embryos, we were devastated. One evening that same week, he made time to call us and spoke with us at length. He was honest and thoughtful and gave us genuine hope when we needed it most. That call meant everything. The entire clinic has that same warmth. It is clear that everyone there genuinely supports you. To be candid, the clinic is very busy. You may not reach someone directly by phone and may need to leave a message and wait for a return call later that day. When you are anxious and desperate for answers, that wait can be very difficult. As a healthcare professional, I understand the realities of a high-volume clinic, but I encourage anyone frustrated by this to look at the bigger picture. The care itself is exceptional. The team is highly skilled and made me feel safe and reassured throughout the process. I would choose Dr. Awadalla and IRH again without hesitation, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone facing a similar struggle.

Dr. Niki explained the entire procedure very clearly and thoroughly. I felt that I fully understood what to expect. They are wonderful!

Communication completely broke down. I had an important medical question after surgery and left a voicemail, but no one ever responded. The question concerned medication and the risk of infection. This was absolutely not something that could be ignored and required a prompt return call.

I underwent IVF through IRH and now have three healthy children. Their laboratory, reproductive endocrinologists, and third-party services are excellent! I am extremely grateful for everything they did to help us build our family.

IRH and its entire staff made every moment of that challenging yet precious time worthwhile. They were professional, caring, and encouraging as they helped us build our loving family. We now have two wonderful babies and are incredibly grateful for our time at IRH. Thank you!!! God led us to IRH.

IRH has the most wonderful, caring, and supportive staff. They helped us achieve our dream of building a family. 🤍

Our entire family is very grateful to Dr. Scheiber and everyone at IRH for their expertise and support. We now have two healthy, happy little boys, completing our wonderful family.

The process was difficult, but the Institute for Reproductive Health made it much easier. The nurses and doctors there were wonderful and professional!

My wife and I are about to welcome our third child, one fresh cycle and two frozen. First, I will say that both Dr. Awadalla(s) are amazing, yes both of them. They are both passionate and take genuine joy in what they do. Our first two experiences were great in every aspect that was within IRHs control. The third, an FET, was different and why I am posting. During our first two cycles all of the staff were great, supportive, kind, and understanding. This last cycle, started in October, was different. During the first two cycles we were given timelines, lists of medicines and when they were to be given, and calls were promptly returned within reason. This last cycle there was a weak link. Calls took days to return, to the point medicines could be late. This isn’t okay, and if this had been a fresh cycle I couldn’t imagine the unnecessary worry we would have experienced. These cycles are very intensive and any support is appreciative. Now the reason the rating isn’t lower, even on this third cycle, is that everyone else was amazing, just like in the past. Yes, even the billing staff were great, which says something. Now going on for things outside of IRH: On possible improvements, that again isn’t IRHs fault but I hope they can apply some pressure to the company they use, is “Fertility Storage Solutions”/Ovation. FSS has raised rates constantly since they changed hands, rates have increased by nearly 50% within last two years alone ($50/mth in Feb 2024 and now $72/mth.) For those reading we have one embryo left and intend to use it, the rates are the same for 2 or one embryo. I am not opposed to raising rates, with the first being a modest $4 a month in 2024, but as a costumer I feel that this company is becoming predatory knowing that you have no choice once you are in their system. Oh yeah, when you want that embryo back, it will be over $1000. Bonus tip for those in the Lexington area: include looking at Turfland Pharmacy for medicines. They have programs and were our best source of medicines for FET. They may not have everything you need but for what they did have we saved hundreds versus elsewhere. Insurance doesn’t cover these medicines on our plan so your mileage may vary. We also had a positive experience with SMP Pharmacy with our first two rounds (IVF, FET), they also have programs which we didn’t qualify for this round of FET.

Before my wife and I began this journey, I knew nothing about this field or the work involved. As we leave IRH today, I am immensely grateful to the entire staff and Dr. Kim. After working with them and understanding the information they must deliver every day, I see them as walking saints. This work requires special qualities, and I am deeply grateful for everything they did for my wife and me. Although we officially graduated from IRH today, I hope never to see anyone there again. If we need to go through this process again, however, we will certainly return. I hope no one reading this experiences circumstances like ours, but I highly recommend Dr. Kim and the entire IRH team. Our journey is not over, but IRH brought us one step closer to our goal!

I strongly advise avoiding this place. If you have money to waste, you can try it, but they only care about money, not you or your circumstances. When you call with a question, they only tell you they can schedule you sometime next month. I wasted a great deal of money and time over more than three visits. Stay away!

I am sharing this so other patients know what to watch for. My initial appointment was December 26. I had laboratory tests and an ultrasound, and the doctor discussed a detailed treatment plan: first take Provera to induce withdrawal bleeding, then take 7.5 mg of letrozole with monitoring, followed by an hCG trigger injection for ovulation induction with timed intercourse, not IUI. Follow-up messages from clinic staff also confirmed this plan. I began Provera exactly as instructed. When I called on cycle day 1–2 as directed, I was told of a “new policy,” effective January 1, requiring new patients to wait one full menstrual cycle before starting treatment—even though my treatment plan was already underway and this was never mentioned at my initial visit. The inconsistent communication was most frustrating. Different staff gave different explanations—the policy, diagnostic test results, and “doctor's orders.” At one point I was told treatment could continue, then later that it was canceled. Even the medication eventually sent was the wrong dose and did not match the doctor's documented plan. Fertility treatment is time-sensitive and emotionally and physically exhausting. Poor internal coordination, delayed policy implementation, and conflicting information caused significant emotional distress during what should have been a straightforward treatment cycle. The consultation with the doctor was positive, but the administrative and communication problems were serious, and I recommend avoiding this practice. If you do go, ask very specific questions, document everything in writing, and carefully verify prescriptions.

I strongly advise against this clinic! My experience with Dr. Robertshaw was terrible. She did not listen to my treatment requests, and every time we met, it seemed she had not reviewed the records from my previous cycle with another doctor. I had planned for months to transfer my only two embryos, but a few days before the transfer she called me without an appointment to explain why I could not transfer both. Given my medical history, this was extremely frustrating. I felt unheard and uncared for. She only cares about money! I regret not trusting the bad feeling I had after my consultation and leaving the clinic then.

Everyone at IRH is wonderful except Dr. Robertshaw. While I was still unconscious after surgery, she shared photos of my uterus and information with my husband. My consent form clearly stated that no information could be disclosed to anyone, including my husband, because I wanted to understand my condition before he knew. She ignored my wishes, then excused herself by saying she had not checked the consent form on the back of the chart. I could list many other problems with her, but this was one of the worst things I have ever experienced.

We saw many doctors during IVF and were very pleased with all of them. We have nothing negative to say. All the nurses and receptionists were also very kind and professional.

I can’t say enough amazing things about IRH. We started our journey here a few years ago, and from the very first visit, every doctor and nurse went above and beyond to make our infertility journey feel less scary and isolating. Each provider’s knowledge is incredible, and I always felt completely confident trusting them with our care. A special thank you to Dr. Scheiber, who performed a complex surgery to successfully remove my endometriosis. His skill and care made all the difference. If you want care from doctors who truly see and listen to you, IRH is the place. I never once felt like just another patient. They remembered our names, offered hugs when we cried, and celebrated with us when we got the incredible news that we were pregnant. We are so thankful for everyone at IRH!

We are extremely grateful for our experience at IRH and would recommend this clinic to anyone. Dr. King provided compassionate, personalized, evidence-based care. She was thoughtful and helped us make informed, shared decisions. She made us feel that everything within our control was being handled, allowing us to let go of what we could not control. She is a wonderful physician, and we were fortunate to have her. Dr. Robertshaw, nurse practitioner Nikki Meyer, and the entire support team also gave us an excellent experience. Words cannot express our gratitude. I do not think any fertility treatment process is easy or perfect. We still had to do considerable research ourselves, ask many questions, and advocate for our needs throughout. Be prepared for occasional difficulty reaching the care team quickly because they primarily use voicemail and return calls, which was difficult with my job. Appointment times also offer limited flexibility, but I believe that is simply the nature of the process.

Dr. Scheiber, Nikki, and their team are wonderful. I began working with you in 2019, when I was diagnosed with endometriosis and had it surgically removed. I have since had two miscarriages and am now nearly 11 weeks into my third pregnancy. You discovered two blood-clotting disorders, and with enoxaparin sodium, early ultrasounds, and other care, my miracle baby is thriving! I will always be grateful for your support, kindness, and expertise. Thank you forever ❤️❤️❤️

I came to this clinic after a very poor experience at my previous one. When I first called, I asked whether all procedures would take place at the same location, and they assured me they would. That proved untrue, but I accepted it. Having to leave a message and wait for a callback is frustrating. In short, I requested care from one specific doctor. I scheduled a saline sonogram and took time off because that was the day my preferred doctor worked. I arrived, provided a urine sample, and was about to enter the exam room when I unexpectedly learned another doctor would perform it because mine was on vacation. I agreed, and he was very kind; I believe his name was Dr. Schiber. I had a secondary follicular assessment, and he assured me everything was normal and we could proceed with IVF. A few days later, I received a voicemail saying my doctor wanted to speak with me and was arranging an appointment. She called about 2 hours after the scheduled time, and the call lasted 4 minutes. She only told me the SHG was normal, which I already knew. About a week later, I received a bill. It was a scam—genuine insurance fraud. I was charged for both an SHG and an HSG even though I had only the SHG. The other procedure involves injecting contrast into the uterus and fallopian tubes and using X-ray imaging. With my medical background, I know the difference. I was also charged for a mid-level office visit that did not occur on the day of the SHG, plus a scheduled 30-minute phone appointment that lasted under 4 minutes and that I neither requested nor needed. I called the hospital's OB-GYN department, and they confirmed I had not undergone an HSG because that procedure is performed in the hospital radiology department. She asked me to hold, then returned and said the bill was correct. She acknowledged that I had not received the service but said that was how they billed for assisted reproductive services—the SHG plus another service I did not receive. I questioned this! The billing employee who called me about IVF pricing was extremely rude and disrespectful. She did not listen and spoke in an angry tone. The price was outrageous: 12,400 for an embryo biopsy, not including genetic testing. They do not even have a fertility laboratory; they contract with Ovation, whose pricing seems designed for royalty. Ironically, their website says IRH prices are below the national average 😏. Because my insurance does not cover medication, I would spend about $40,000 before transfer. I have contacted billing repeatedly and told them I will not pay for services I did not receive. I am waiting for them to credit those charges and send an accurate bill.

I am glad some people became pregnant here, but that does not warrant a five-star review from me. I strongly agree with everyone who mentioned the poor treatment and terrible procedures. If you need meaningful emotional support, this is not the place—they are no longer capable of providing it. I hope IRH improves for everyone who relies on them. We transferred our care to another city and had an excellent experience elsewhere.

After my third failed cycle, I called as usual and left a message seeking guidance on moving to advanced treatment. Days passed, my cycle progressed on its own, and the clinic never returned my call. The billing department is chaotic and never processes charges promptly. Two months after I asked this team to begin IVF, I received only a bill for an ultrasound performed 8 weeks earlier. Are you kidding? Covering the website and waiting room with baby photos was extremely insensitive. The ‘hope stones’ in the bathroom gave me no hope, and the nurses chuckled when I asked for ultrasound images of my developing follicles—the only real images of our remaining hope for pregnancy. All of this reinforced my negative view of IRH. Invest your time, hope, money, and vulnerability elsewhere.

An absolutely terrible experience. The front desk staff were rude as soon as I entered. They commented on an earlier bill I did not know about and said, ‘This should already have gone to collections, but since it hasn't, I will collect it now.’ That is incredibly rude when someone is struggling with uncertainty about whether their pregnancy is viable. In the room, the doctor entered with two people—introduced one as a student and did not introduce the other. No one asked my name, symptoms, or anything else. The doctor performed a transvaginal ultrasound lasting 45 seconds, then said, ‘I do not see anything in the uterus, so it may be chemical,’ and offered two options: chemotherapy or surgery. The entire interaction lasted under 2 minutes while I was alone and hearing this heartbreaking news for the first time. This is what these people do. Their complete lack of empathy is appalling.

I want to thank everyone at the Cincinnati office for all their excellent work in making our dream a reality. After a long period of treatment, I am thrilled to be pregnant with my first child. Special thanks to Dr. Isela Robertshow and Dr. King. You are amazing.

IRH was very friendly and helpful! Thanks to them, we successfully carried our own little sweet pea :)

Edit: After 18 months, my first fertility treatment attempt at another clinic was successful. The clinic was supportive, communicative, and tailored my treatment plan to my specific needs. If you have any doubts about your treatment here, I encourage you to seek care elsewhere. I wish I had trusted my instincts. I will start by saying that I did not graduate from IRH. I completed 4 IUIs and 1 fresh IVF transfer. Over 8 months, I never saw the same doctor twice. The doctor who called to tell me my IVF had failed was someone I had never spoken with before. When I asked questions, they were often dismissed, or I received generic answers that the first Google result could have given me. I was able to find more information on my own, leading to an important diagnosis that greatly affected my fertility. If you feel this way about these doctors, you are not alone.

Our first IUI at IRH was successful 4 years ago. When we returned for a second child, we were very dissatisfied with the overall communication and service. We will be moving to another fertility clinic.

Dr. Sherif Awadalla is not only a professional but also a wonderful person. I had an unforgettable experience at IRH in Cincinnati! Their team is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely committed to excellent service. They took the time to understand my needs and provided service that exceeded my expectations. The entire process went smoothly, and I appreciated their attention to detail and clear communication. Few clinics genuinely care about patients the way IRH does. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking first-rate care in Cincinnati!